OJAI, Calif., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- The dawn of each season brings changes in the pollen, dander, dust, mold and mildew present in the air we breathe, making many people miserable and putting irritants in nasal passages and airways. In search of an effective natural approach to easing this discomfort, Plantiva's (www.plantiva.com) international team of doctors, botanical specialists and researchers developed AllerDx, a safe, gentle, effective and clinically tested botanical health formula. According to company founder Dr. Stephen Morrissey, two separate controlled studies showed that AllerDx can help control and moderate the body's reaction to the external environment by modulating the immune system.*

Although some of us may not notice the pollens, dirt, dust and dander that we are exposed to day in and day out, they silently tax our body's defenses and place stress on our immune system. In desperation for relief, millions reach for products that can relieve some of the symptoms, but may produce unwanted side effects ranging from drowsiness to dry mouth and irritability.(1)

"AllerDx is designed to address multiple aspects of environmental sensitivity, including acute reactions as well as underlying causes - without sedatives or stimulants," according to Dr. Morrissey. "AllerDx is the first natural product to clinically demonstrate an ability to restore breathing within 15 minutes by calming histamine reactions and improving nasal air flow."*

Due to atmospheric pollution and other environmental impurities, doctors now acknowledge that more people than ever suffer from seasonal and long term environmental sensitivities. A government study called the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that 54.3 percent of Americans between the ages of 6 and 59 tested positive to one or more environmental irritants, putting tens of millions at greater risk of skin and respiratory conditions, not to mention the annoying run of the mill discomfort caused by daily or occasional environmental reactions.(2)

Breathing difficulties have become more prevalent in the United States in recent years. They affect as many as 50 million people, or more than 20 percent of the population. The incidence of one type of breathing condition alone has more than tripled over the past 25 years and currently affects more than 22 million Americans.(3)

"There are two broad categories of environmental irritants," Dr. Morrissey states. "Seasonal environmental sensitivities are triggered by factors such as pollen from trees, weeds and grasses that are typically only present for part of a year, such as spring or fall. Perennial irritants are usually constant throughout the year and include culprits such as pet dander and house dust mites. AllerDx is formulated to address both."*

Rather than waiting for discomfort to strike, Dr. Morrissey suggests sensitive individuals take proactive steps to avoid the misery and inconvenience of runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and dry cough.

"Whether an individual is affected by seasonal plants and their airborne elements from the 'high season' of spring through summer, or experiences year-round discomfort, AllerDxcan help modulate the immune system for quick and effective relief," notes Dr. Morrissey.*

AllerDx Guide to Seasonal and Perennial Irritation Triggers:

Springtime

The leading cause of irritants in the spring are a result of pollen from trees, such as the poplar, oak, maple, walnut, birch, hickory, sycamore, olive, elm, ash, and cypress. Weeds are also in bloom in many parts of the country once warmer weather arrives.

Summertime

Grass pollen in the spring and early summer reaches its peak and in warmer climates can continue most of the year. Direct skin contact with grass can result in itching and hives.

Fall

Weed pollen is the primary cause of seasonal irritation in the late summer and early fall with the primary culprits being ragweed, sagebrush, pigweed, tumbleweed and cocklebur.

Winter

Most winter sensitivities are triggered by irritants that are present all year, such as dust mites, mold, pet dander and mildew. Spending more time indoors and central heating systems that blow dust into the air compounds the problem for many sufferers.

"The all-natural, proprietary formulation of AllerDx's herbal extracts moderates the body's reaction to irritants," Dr. Morrissey adds. "Maintaining health in today's compromised environment is a challenging task and our immune systems can use all the help we can provide."

Each Plantiva AllerDx bottle contains 60 capsules with a suggested retail price of $21.95. Plantiva recommends that adults take 2-3 capsules per day, or up to 4 capsules per dose as needed for immediate relief. Distribution information is available at www.plantiva.com.

About Plantiva®

Founded in 1993, Plantiva is the result of years of dedication by doctors and scientists in numerous fields of healthcare, including TCM pharmacognosy, Western medicine, Oriental medicine, molecular biology, and analytical chemistry, who are dedicated to providing only the highest quality botanical health products. Plantiva's unsurpassed commitment to quality has helped produce botanical formulas that are natural and healthy alternatives to other health solutions. The Plantiva brand currently comprises AllerDx®, ImmuneDx™ and ViraDx® for environmental sensitivities, immune protection, and immune system relief, respectively.

Plantiva's founders have been conducting product research and development since 1987, in addition to establishing joint venture and cooperative research programs in China. Through Plantiva's own scientific testing program, complete vertical integration of ingredient supply chain, and selection of pristine "green" growing areas, it is able to ensure that its customers receive the highest quality botanical products.